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Sex and relationship expert Tracey Cox says: 'Birth order personality theories are either in or out of favour in psychology, depending on the latest research.

'You're
not fated to live out your life dominated by the random timing of your
birth. The stereotypes are more based on our role in the family which is
something we are free to change.

Middle children are the least likely to find a relationship, while eldest are most likely

'The first result - that younger siblings find it harder to find love online - is surprising and goes against the evidence we have about birth order. The youngest usually has great social skills and is popular, which would make it easier for them to flirt and find love online.

'It's not surprising the firstborn (oldest) is successful since they're the most likely to assume a leadership position and be high achievers.

'This usually makes them good communicators - a big plus when you're connecting to people through a written profile.

'Middle children have an increased sense of independence and desire to break from conformity. This may lead them feeling less inclination to be in a relationship & follow a traditionalpath'

'Only children falling bang in the middle also didn't surprise me. Only children often feel like they're living their lives in a goldfish bowl because they tend to be the focus of their parents lives.

'Some people enjoy the attention, so would embrace the let's show off factor which can make you successful at online dating. Others hate it, so would either avoid going online or do it reluctantly because of the public attention factor.'

Researchers highlight that just because middle children don't leave the site in a relationship doesn't mean they haven't found what they're looking for.

A spokesperson for PlentyOfFish said: 'Our
best educated guess based on the results of the study, is that middle
children have an increased sense of independence and desire to break
from conformity.

'This may lead them to feel less inclination to be in a relationship and follow a traditional life path.'

Adding to their unconventional reputation, middle children were found to be 20 per cent more likely to own a bird as a pet.

'Middle children have an increased sense of independence and desire to break from conformity. This may lead them to feel less inclination to be in a relationship and follow a traditional life path'